Larimar is certainly one of my favorite
gemstones, and I am convinced one of the reasons I'm on this
earth is to talk about and spread this lovely mineral around!
Which may not be a bad idea, considering one of Larimar's many
reputed powers is its ability to heal the Earth.

Often referred to as "Caribbean Turquoise," "Dolphin Stone,"
and "Atlantis Stone." Larimar is a stone of volcanic origin
found only in the Dominican Republic, near the city of Barahona,
in a region called Los Chupaderos, which is located in the south
west portion of the country. It is actually a blue variation of
the white mineral pectolite, a stone that formed as a result of
mineral deposits beings pushed into tubes or "chimneys" inside
volcanoes millions of years ago. White pectolite is found in the
United States and Canada. It has been speculated that volcanic
ash settling on the molten rock may have caused the beautiful
blue coloring, which varies between electric "volcanic" blue, to
whitish, greenish, and red, the latter formed as the result of
iron inclusions. Certain finds of amber in the D.R. also have a
lovely blue coloring that reflects from the fossilized sap in
the sunlight, this is also believed to be the same type of
volcanic ash phenomena. Several colors are usually found in each
stone, and grading for Larimar is difficult, since the coloring
and patterning are so varied. A Larimar specimen that has some
translucence, chatoyance (reflective quality similar to that in
tiger eye) and beautiful patterning can be considered as
valuable as a deep "volcanic" blue piece. Generally, pieces with
the black/red iron deposits and the murky greenish colorings are
not considered as valuable.

Larimar, with its wild patterning, often has "pictures" or
random images throughout. Some pieces cut directly through the
center of a column depict what appears to be angels with their
arms outstretched. I often wonder about the term "Dolphin Stone"
regarding this mineral, but its interesting how many dolphin
like images I have noticed in certain stones. I have a lovely
large pendant that was made on the island; I'm always amazed how
many people notice the dolphin image within it. A lot of the
Larimar I have in stock now has what looks like people, owls,
butterflies, and hummingbirds in them. Its great fun to look
into this stone to find the hidden pictures.

Larimar was originally thought to be discovered around 1916.
This is the first documented evidence of the stone, although
native tribes may have utilized it, they were known to decorate
their clothing with amber found on the island. The 1916 papers
showed that a priest had petitioned for mining rights, but the
plan did not materialize. It was rediscovered in the 1950's by
local fisherman, who believed the azure gem originated in the
ocean since it was first discovered there. In 1974 an American
Peace Corps engineer named Norman Rilling and a Dominican
Republic native named Miguel Mendez found the curious blue
stones along a beach. Mendez, being the stone's discoverer,
named it for his daughter Larissa, and the sea, mar, hence the
name we know today as Larimar. It quickly caught on with locals
and tourists, and its origins were traced to the extinct
volcanoes in the mountains of Barahona where mining began. This
wonderful mineral may have escaped human eyes if not for the
fallen stones that made their way to the ocean via the streams
and rivers, perhaps nature's way of making sure this gift would
not go unnoticed.

This mineral is mined in the most rugged remote, and
dangerous conditions, since the "chimneys", or vertical shafts
where the Larimar lies waiting have to be discovered, then
approached with merely shovels and pick axes. Mines consist of a
network of narrow, interconnecting tunnels, many not much wider
than a human body. Larimar miners are brave, sturdy men that
risk losing their lives as the result of the makeshift mines
caving in. During rainy conditions, the mines are filled with
water, and mining ceases. This, along with the demand by
seasonal tourists, and the uncertainty of future deposits,
causes the price of Larimar to fluctuate like a commodity. This
is one of the few semi-precious stones investors recommend,
believing that the value can only increase, unlike the more
abundant gems such as Amethyst.